Butterflies & Blooms Opens May 24

GLENCOE, IL (May 12, 2014) – Butterflies & Blooms returns for its third season on May 24. Visitors are immersed in a tropical habitat full of hundreds of colorful butterflies interacting with plant life. Butterflies & Blooms features butterflies from around the world, including South America, Asia, North America and Africa, as well as those native to Illinois. Volunteers are also on hand to answer questions. The 2,800-square-foot white mesh enclosure is located on the lawn of the Learning Campus.

Up to 500 butterflies or moths can be seen on most visits. A window into the pupa emergence room allows visitors to observe butterflies hatching. In addition to the native butterflies we commonly see in the area such as monarchs (Danaus plexippus), visitors will find exotic butterflies such as the blue morpho (Morpho peleides), giant owl butterfly (Caligo memnon) and emerald swallowtail (Papilio palinurus). The Blooms portion of the exhibition will feature nectar plants such as hummingbird sage (Salvia coccinea), ‘Citrus Blend’ lantana (Lantana camara), sweet almond verbena (Aloysia virgata), star flower (Pentas lanceolata), and firebush (Hamelia patens). While these plants are considered annuals in our area, they will provide the tropical nectar necessary to make the butterflies feel right at home.

Butterflies and moths make up a large group of insects known as the order Lepidoptera. The name derives from the Greek lepido or scale, and ptera or wings, and refers to the tiny scales that cover the wings and the rest of the body. Butterflies and moths live almost everywhere around the world, from the Arctic tundra to tropical rain forests. There are more than 18,000 species of butterflies in the world and approximately 150 butterflies live in Illinois.

Butterflies are drawn to the fresh scent of newly opened flowers. They use their proboscis (a straw-like structure) to drink the nectar, which is their primary, or preferred, food source. Specific butterflies are attracted to specific flowering plants for nectar. Some butterflies actually drink the juice of rotten or decomposing fruit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to rent Butterflies & Blooms for a private photography session in the exhibition. From 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, June 10 through August 21, groups of up to 20 people have exclusive access to the butterfly exhibition before it opens to the public at 10 a.m. Tripods are only allowed in the exhibition during a private rental. Cost is $300 per group and includes parking. Call (847) 835-6801.

Exhibition hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (weather permitting) through September 1. The exhibition will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 13, for a Garden fundraiser.

Cost is $6 for adults; $5 seniors; $4 children (3-12). Members receive $1 discount off these rates; Garden Plus members are free on Wednesdays. A ten-visit pass to the exhibition is available for $45; members receive a $5 discount off this rate. Visit chicagobotanic.org/butterflies for more information.

Butterflies & Blooms is made possible through the generous support of The Grainger Foundation, Lake Forest, Illinois.

Mission statement: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 26 distinct gardens and four natural areas. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply; parking fees apply. Located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, IL, the Garden is smoke free. Opened to the public in 1972, the Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society, accredited by the American Association of Museums and a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is the 12th largest tourist attraction in Chicago and is the area’s sixth largest cultural institution. Visit chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers classes for students from ages preK through adulthood through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School. The hands-on learning programs are for people of all ages, abilities, interests, and backgrounds. Adult education classes include horticulture, garden design, nature studies, and botanical arts for all levels of interest. Other programs bring the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens, and teachers. The Garden’s community gardening programs provide access to fresh produce in Chicago’s food desert communities and training in sustainable urban agriculture for youth and adults. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center provides laboratories and teaching facilities for more than 200 Ph.D. scientists, land managers, students, and interns whose research is critical to fulfilling the Garden’s efforts to save our planet by saving our plants. The Science Career Continuum serves minority students from Chicago Public Schools and throughout the region, mentoring them as they prepare for science studies in college and beyond. In conjunction with Northwestern University, the Garden offers a graduate program in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University. The Garden is host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation.